Do positivo ao negativo : utilizando ferramentas computacionais e experimentação para a simulação de (meta)materiais refrativos
Abstract
This work aims at the development of physical phenomena simulations associated to
mathematical modeling and experimentation. The choice of geometrical optics is due,
among other reasons, to the need for raising the students’ awareness concerning this
important Physics theme. Concepts related to the refraction of light were studied, from
basic notions to more complex applications like the negative refraction index in
metamaterials. A survey was conducted, both in literature and among students, to
diagnose existing misconceptions regarding transmission, reflection and refraction of
light. In view of the survey results, we analyzed some educational software available
for free use (Simulations PhET - Interactive Simulations, Easy Java Simulations,
Geogebra, Algodoo, Modellus and their versions and Scratch) to determine which one
would be most suitable to the objectives of this work. Modellus-X was chosen because
it features construction tools with various representations of the same situation,
exploring or building, at the same time, equations, tables, graphics and animations,
whether for exploratory or expressive modeling. The set of simulations, experiments
and mathematical models presented in this paper is meant to encourage the learner
to investigate diverse possibilities within Physics learning, and provide him with an
enhanced teaching/learning process.